2027: APC Chieftain Vatsa Alleges Political Motivation Behind Killings in Plateau and Benue
From Our Correspondent.
Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, a former commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, has alleged that the ongoing violence in Plateau and Benue states is politically motivated and sponsored, aiming to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to a group of journalists at his residence in Minna on Sunday, Vatsa expressed concern about the current situation, particularly the killings in Benue and Plateau.
He suggested that the perpetrators intend to undermine the Tinubu government and sway public opinion against it as the elections approach.
Vatsa, who previously served as the publicity secretary of the APC in Niger State, drew parallels to tactics used against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration prior to the 2015 elections. He stated, “What they want is to set Nigerians against the Tinubu government. In 2014, the same individuals turned Christians and Muslims against the Jonathan administration, using insecurity as a weapon to poison public perception.”
He added, “They funded Boko Haram, orchestrated bombings across the country, including Abuja, and organized the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls, all in an effort to make the Jonathan administration unpopular. The same people are now revisiting their strategies.
The current killings in Plateau and Benue are part of this plan, and it’s all about 2027. The government should recognize this.”
Vatsa described these individuals as “political merchants,” claiming that if they are excluded from government, they will resort to instigating violence and insecurity to sabotage the administration.
“They believe they own Nigeria. If they are not in power, they will make it ungovernable for the government. We witnessed this during Jonathan’s tenure.”
He urged President Tinubu to take prompt action to control the situation before these “political merchants” undermine his government through insecurity. Vatsa asserted, “The Tinubu administration has become the target of the current violence across the country, which is why I’m calling for immediate action.”
Despite the security challenges, Vatsa is confident that they will not hinder President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He remarked, “If the directionless and visionless Buhari administration could survive for eight years, I wonder what could prevent Tinubu from being re-elected in 2027.”
Notably, he claimed that there is no vacancy in the Niger State governor’s office for the 2027 elections, as opposition parties have seemingly accepted the “New Niger Agenda” and the significant infrastructure improvements made by the current administration. He stated, “If President Tinubu thinks there is a vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, so be it.”
Vatsa expressed disappointment that the government is aware of the individuals behind these killings but appears afraid to confront them. He lamented, “It is only in Nigeria that certain individuals are deemed above the law. They can sponsor violence and chaos without facing repercussions.”
Additionally, he criticized the government’s treatment of corrupt officials, noting, “In Nigeria, those who loot the treasury often receive red carpet receptions instead of being jailed. It’s frustrating to see individuals with corruption cases being praised by the government just to avoid imprisonment.”
In conclusion, Vatsa advised President Tinubu that effectively addressing the country’s security challenges may require unconventional measures. He stated, “If he does not possess a certain level of boldness, he should acquire it immediately before the situation consumes his government, as there are forces actively working against it.”
